Topic 2 Physical Activity

Why do teenagers need to have enough physical activity?

Regular physical activity for teenagers is an integral part of health. It strengthens muscles and bones, improves cardiorespiratory fitness, improves cardiometabolic health and controls body weight. However, studies show that over 80% of teenagers worldwide do not have enough physical activity. Teenagers do not exercise enough, and modern life makes them more sedentary, low-energy spending behaviours. To encourage physical activities in teenagers, teachers and the entire school community should strive to integrate physical activities into different parts of school life by implementing the health-promoting school concept, which ensures opportunities for students to learn and try different types of physical activities.

Main concepts

Let teenagers understand the importance of physical activity to health and master basic knowledge related to physical activity, including the intensity of different types of physical activity, the time physical activity recommended for teenagers, the pattern of exercising (warming up, exercising and cooling down), techniques for different sports, etc.
Provide opportunities for students to discover their interests in physical activity, understand their level of physical fitness, and set personal goals. New types of physical activities could be introduced in Physical Education classes, games or activities where students can try them. Sports Award Schemes or similar programmes would allow students to continue exercising and form a habit.
Encourage young people to understand, respond to and participate in physical activity programmes promoted by schools and communities.
Discuss issues related to physical activity with teenagers, such as sportsmanship, sports attitudes, sedentary behaviours and lifestyle patterns, and analysis of the pros and cons of technological development on teenagers’ participation in physical activities.
Allow young people to examine their time allocation, try to balance studies and leisure, know how to choose entertaining and recreational activities, and encourage them to engage in leisure activities that are beneficial to their body and mind. Teachers can also help students analyse the factors and obstacles to participating in physical activities and help students establish personal exercise plans.

Keywords

#Physical inactivity #Body movement #Resistance training #Sedentary

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